About the Swedish Alliance for Just Transition
The alliance gathers over 50 Swedish civil society organisations. It is not affiliated to any political party. The alliance comprises environmental organisations, trade unions, youth organisations, peace organisations, human rights organisations, champions of gender equality, organisations working internationally, culture actors, popular educators, etc.
We unite behind the demand that the government and parliament of Sweden must urgently come up with a plan for a Just Transition.
Photo: Jana Eriksson/Greenpeace
Photo: Agneta Sandström
What do we mean by Just Transition?
The transition has to be…
Fast. Sweden must live up to the Paris agreement, which demands that richer countries cut their climate emissions at a higher pace.
Safe. The transition should take place with security for workers. It should not make life more difficult for those who have the least, but lower inequality.
Democratic. People should have influence over the transition, at their workplaces and in society in general.
A just green transition is a fundamental social shift towards human wellbeing in balance with nature.
We refer to the ILO guidelines for a Just Transition.
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The climate transition must protect and increase people's economic and social security, and be shaped in dialogue with the population. Only in this way can an ambitious climate transition receive the broad support needed. Employees and citizens also have a lot of engagement and knowledge that is valuable in this big shift.
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The science is crystal clear: We need to speed up the climate transition to avoid the worst consequences for humanity and the rest of life on Earth. We also need to transform our societies to come within safe and just levels of other planetary boundaries, such as biodiversity. Over 70% of the world’s wild animals have already been lost since the 1970’s.
At the same time, inequality drives the planetary crisis. The divide between the rich and the rest has increased dramatically in the world and in Sweden. This makes a more just distribution of resources, money and power all the more urgent.
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Sweden's climate emissions are currently not falling but rising. We were the country in the EU where emissions increased the most in 2024. Sweden is also failing almost all of its environmental goals.
As representatives of the Swedish people, we expect our government and parliament to come up with a plan to handle the biggest challenge of our time – in a safe, fair and democratic way.
Photo: Edward Beskow/Grenpeace
The purpose of the Swedish Alliance for Just Transition
To bring together the environmental movement and organizations working for human, economic and social rights behind a common agenda for a just green transition.
To form public opinion for a more ambitious and equitable Swedish climate policy, in line with science and the Paris Agreement's principles of global justice.
To learn from each other’s perspectives and involve our members in the discussion.
Photo: Joen Hünn/Greenpeace
Civil society’s role in the transition
The organizations that are part of the Swedish Alliance for a Just Transition have different but important roles in the transition. We are prepared to contribute through actions such as public education, cultural work, grassroots engagement, trade union organising and local, democratic discussions.
We will also ensure that the transition includes different groups in society. Our members need insight into what’s at stake, and the opportunity to influence the transition.
The climate and environmental crisis affects all areas of society in which we operate, and we must tackle it together.
Photo: Christian Åslund/Greenpeace
How did the Swedish Alliance for Just Transition start?
The inspiration came from the European Alliance For a Just Transition. Swedish organisations agreed that there was a need for a network that would push for Just Transition also in Sweden. Hence the Swedish Alliance for Just Transition was formed in 2022.
Foto: Oliver Kornblihtt, Mídia NINJA
”A more circular trade that our members have influence over and that reduces the climate footprint. In this way, we ensure both a green transition and good working conditions.”
The Swedish Commercial Employees’ Union
“To show how policy can be designed based on the available emissions space.”
The Swedish Climate Parliament
”That everyone should be able to get involved in the climate issue. We want to lower the thresholds and help people find their own level and entrance.”
The Climate Club
Issues that are close to our members’ hearts
Thar the transition is grounded in science
Justice in climate and environmental policy — at home and globally
A systems perspective—rethinking what a society should be
Democracy och citizen power
The perspective of children and young people
The rights of the Sami and other indigenous peoples
Civil society’s role in the transition
Circular economy
Full employment— jobs for everyone
Housing as a part of climate solutions
Biological & cultural diversity
Counting all emissions (including biogenic emissions from biofuels)
”Education. So that people who are worried about the climate crisis get tools to act and hope that the crisis can be overcome.”
Climate Action
”That Sweden should be a driving force for a fair climate transition; taking responsibility for our own transition, and helping to finance the transition internationally through support for damage and losses.”
IM Sweden
”That the potential of agriculture and forestry to achieve a fair and sustainable world should be harnessed.”
Future Earth
”Human rights. The right to health, clean air and clean water. As well as gender equality, as women and children are often impacted the most. Our role in the union is to include the social aspects of climate change in negotiations and agreements with employers.”
The Swedish Association of Health Professionals
”That social development should be directed towards human well-being within the limits of the planet - not growth. Economic activity should be a means, not an end in itself.”
Wellbeing Economy Alliance Sweden
Advocacy work
Psychological knowledge to make the transition just and possible
Peace
Land rights
International legislation (for example against ecocide)
